Heinz's new ketchup packet enables the uncivilized practice of dining while driving

Heinz has redesigned its 1960s-era ketchup packets only to enable the uncivilized--not to mention dangerous--practice of eating while driving.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Heinz had research subjects sit in fake minivans and eat so they could observe their interaction with ketchup packets. (Some people, apparently have been known to, while driving, squirt the ketchup directly into their mouths, and then add fries.)

While many are lauding the design advance of the new, three-years-in-the-making "Dip and Squeeze" packet, in which three times the ketchup can be accessed by squeezing it out through the end or peeling back the lid, it seems a good time to point out the obvious: Eating in the car isn't a good idea. (Also, considering obesity rates, should we really be making it easier to eat French fries?)

For the occasional road trip, fine. But mobile eating shouldn't be a habit. Food is best enjoyed in a relaxed environment, not gobbled down in the midst of multitasking. Eating while driving is a significant distraction which may lead to, at worst, premature death, and, at best, getting food all over your car.

In fact, Heinz's VP of global packaging innovation apparently bought a used minivan to test out the new prototypes. "I wasn't going to use my car--too messy," he told the Journal.